More consultation on revised roads revamp

Campaigners have voiced their criticism over what is being seen as just one significant compromise made by the council over controversial layout changes to roads including New Abbey Road, Dalbeattie Road, Park Road and Pleasance Avenue.
Alison Graham, of Pleasance Avenue, was one of many local residents who voiced concerns earlier this year, and this week said: “They have a consultation, they hide away from it, and now they have another meeting to say it’s pretty much a done deal and we’re going to tell you what you’re getting.”
She added: “I think they should put it on hold until the hospital opens, and just wait and see what happens.”
One major concern was a planned junction at Dalbeattie Road/Park Road — effectively reversing the current layout and directing traffic along Park Road.
But while councillors at committee last month voted instead for an amended version of the existing junction, they chose options elsewhere which campaigners say still pose concerns.
They voted to purchase land at Park Farm to install a traffic lights junction at Pleasance Avenue/New Abbey Road, despite 48 per cent of respondents backing a roundabout and concerns about neighbouring streets becoming ‘rat runs’.
And there are still questions about access out of driveways on Pleasance Avenue, the creation of a cycle/walking path in front of driveways on New Abbey Road, a redesigned junction onto Park Road and loss of parking near The Toll Bar.
Shop owner Ewan Fraser said: “It would affect my customers, because people will definitely drive on.
“I employ seven staff in my shop, and if it affects my business in any way it doesn’t look very good.”
Mr Fraser also has concerns about plans for a nearby pedestrian crossing.
Two drop-in sessions are being planned for September, and leaflets.
SNP councillor Andy Ferguson welcomes benefits he feels some changes will make, but says something needs to be put in place by December.
Calling for full consultation, he suggests 20mph zones now mooted for roads including Rotchell Road, Averil Crescent and Hermitage Drive should be extended to cover the whole area, including Park Road.